Review: The Lake House

 

Claire is afraid of everything, but nothing horrific has ever happened to her until this summer. Her parents sent to her to The Lake House, where they had their own summer experience. They are hoping a summer away will break Claire out of her disaster pessimistic style thinking.

But when Claire arrives with two other girls, they find the house burned to the ground. And then they discover the dead body in the woods. Something is happening - something bad. 

It's Claire's time to shine. All her worst fears are coming true. But the best part is that Claire, Reyva, and Mariana stick together. Could their friendship keep them safe together?

My Thoughts: I was a little skeptical at first - because I'm not a horror fan. The cover is a little creepy for me, but Sarah Beth Durst swore it wasn't too scary. And she was right. First, I love her novels. Second, I couldn't stop turning the pages on this book. I needed to know what happens next! I loved the friendship between the three girls - their banter and how they opened up to each other. I loved how they struggled to survive. The action, danger, tension and the suspense kept me turning the pages quickly. And that ending! 

Cover Thoughts: Creepy!
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A Must Have thriller for your library's collection 

Cover Reveal: Dangerous Alliance

Today Jennieke Cohen, Epic Reads, and Rockstar Book Tours are revealing the cover and a note from Jennieke about the cover for DANGEROUS ALLIANCE, her debut YA Historical Book which releases on December 3, 2019! Check out the awesome cover and enter the giveaway!

Title: DANGEROUS ALLIANCE

Author: Jennieke Cohen

Pub. Date: December 3, 2019

Publisher: HarperTeen

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon

Lady Victoria Aston has always been just as comfortable in a pair of breeches stolen from her father as she has in satin ballgowns decked in lace. And though she is perfectly capable of minding her manners in polite society, she doesn't much see the point. With an older sister happily wed and the future of her family estate secure, she is quite content to while her time away in the fields around her home.

However, Vicky’s comfortable, idyllic life is overturned in the course of one night. Her sister’s husband is a terrible cad and now Vicky must marry, or find herself and her family destitute. Armed only with the wisdom she has gained from her beloved novels by Jane Austen, she enters society’s season in a flutter of silks, dances, and pretty words.

But Miss Austen has little to say about Vicky’s particular circumstances: whether the gorgeous and roguish Mr. Carmichael is indeed a scoundrel, if her former best friend—the much-grown and very handsome Tom Sherborne—is out for her dowry or for her heart, or even how to fend off the attentions of the foppish Mr. Silby, he of the bright-orange waistcoat.

Most unfortunately of all, Vicky’s books are silent on the topic of the mysterious accidents cropping up around her. Accidents that have her wondering if there’s someone trying to prevent a match from being made…or prevent her from surviving until her wedding day.

The reveal!

Note about the cover from Jennieke:

When I got the concept art for DANGEROUS ALLIANCE’s cover, I was thrilled with what designer Jessie Gang had come up with. I’m a little like Elle Woods from Legally Blonde in that pink is my signature color, so the palette was just what I’d hoped for. When the final cover made it to my inbox, my heart sped up as I saw how it had all come together. The artist, Kasi Turpin, did a beautiful job creating the font and I just love how the line through the “A” forms the top of an upside down heart and draws attention to the tagline. The cameo silhouette also happens to be perfect for my main character, Vicky, while still allowing readers to picture her for themselves! I can’t wait to see what it looks like on the shelves, and I hope people love it as much as I do!

About Jennieke:

Jennieke Cohen (JEN-ih-kuh CO-en) is used to people mispronouncing her name and tries to spare her fictional characters the same problem.  She studied English history at Cambridge University and has a master’s degree in professional writing from the University of Southern California. When not writing or researching little-known corners of history, you'll find her singing opera arias and show tunes, over-analyzing old movies, or discovering the best foodie spots in her native Northern California. Read more on Jennieke’s website www.JenniekeCohen.com or find her on Twitter or Instagram @Jennieke_Cohen

Website |Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win an ARC of DANGEROUS ALLIANCE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Royally Lost

Becca isn't interested in playing happy families on a trip through Europe with her brother, her father, and her step mother. She's miserable until she meets a boy. Even though he's not on the tour, she keeps bumping into him.

When they decide to hang out, it's not long before Nikola and Becca fall for each other. Nikola starts following the tour, giving them more time together, but he has a a secret.

He's not your average guy, he's actually a prince. Nikola's angry at his parents and annoyed at having his entire life already planned out.  He needed to get away for a few days, so he slipped away without telling anyone. What will happen when the media catches up with them?

My Thoughts: I loved how Nikola wanted his freedom to choose his own path and maybe to change the country's strict rules. I like how he spend time on the bike following the tour. I liked Becca (although at times, I think she was too dramatic). I liked the tourist moments where the two of them explored Europe together.  A fun summer romance set in Europe about finding yourself, figuring our your future, and understanding your family better.

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: My Library

Book Covers and Prom Dresses

Inspired by Epic Reads, last year I created this post on my librarian blog. I still am a fan of those long flowing dresses on covers (or even short ones). I would love to match up my favorite book cover with a dress and go to prom - if I was still in high school. I wouldn't ever want to go back to high school, but...as it is, I never went to my high school Prom. I attended someone else's and it was an interesting night (let's just leave it at that.) Tonight is prom night at the local high school. 

Favorite Mugs

Last week, I enjoyed Epic Reads mug post and decided to open my cupboards and post my favorite mugs.

Library of Congress: 

Library Goddess: 

Well Behaved Women:

Minnie Mouse

Snowmen - perfect for huge cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Of course a Harry Potter Mug:

What's on your shelf?

Review: Trouble with Flirting

Franny's not attending the Mansfield Summer Theater Program as an actress - instead, she's helping her aunt (the costume designer) for the summer. She's trying to save money for college, but she's interested in acting. Her parents forced her to focus on school and sports - the tools most likely to earn her a college scholarship.  A sports injury changed that idea and she hasn't gone back to acting. This summer, she finds that she misses it.

Franny also finds herself reconnecting with old friends - Julia and Alex. She had a crazy crush on Alex during the 8th grade. She always wondered if anything could ever happen between them. Could this finally be her chance to find out?

Although Franny spends her days sewing, her nights and meal times are free. She finds herself drawn into a group of friends.Most of the group starting pairing off. Julia and Mary shamelessly flirt with Harry. He flirts back, but doesn't seem seriously about anything. As Franny gets to know the group, Harry starts paying attention to her. Will she have to choose between two boys?

My Thoughts: A twist and modernization of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park - fresh, flirty, and tons of fun! I'm always a sucker for a Jane Austen retelling and this one is fabulous. I love the theater take from Mansfield Park and creating a novel centered around that idea. It's cleverly done and easy takes most adults out of the equation. Plus, it's set in summer, which is the perfect time for a light romance.  I love Franny's cranky aunt - she complains all the time, but won't accept help most of the time. I like the fact that Franny was apart from the group - but close with them too. It made the situation very realistic. Plus, it made the separation more than just money, as in the original work. The secondary characters were great - snarky, catty, and full of themselves. I devoured this one!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

On the Librarian Blog...

Inspired by the awesome post from EPIC READS, I created my own Prom Dress Inspiration post from book covers! Check it out here and let me know what you think!